Enterovirus not yet found in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE - Health officials say there's no evidence that a severe respiratory illness that has sickened hundreds of children in more than 10 states has been found in Wisconsin.

The illness may be caused by an uncommon virus similar to the germ that causes the common cold. Enterovirus 68 is a strain in a family of viruses that typically hit from summertime through autumn.

Although no cases have been confirmed, Paul Biedrzycki (bee-driz'-IHK'-ee) of the Milwaukee Health Department says there's no reason to believe it isn't circulating here. He says health officials are "enhancing surveillance and getting messaging out to parents and health care providers to be looking for it."

Nearly 500 children have been treated at one hospital alone - Children's Mercy in Kansas City, Missouri - and some required intensive care.